Panel mounting device



April 4, 1967 Filed April 30, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet l i, t: P ...w: M i V MNZZ q I: L:

Michael B. Lawar INVENTOR.

Apx'fil 4, 1967 M. B. LAWER 393129927 PANEL MOUNTING DEVICE Filed April 50, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 58- i j Michael B. Law/W IN VizN TJOR United States Patent Ofi ice 3,312,627 Patented Apr. 4, 1967 3,312,027 PANEL MOUNTING DEVICE Michael B. Lawer, Indiana, Pa. Greensteel-Korok, Inc., 29 Laing Ave., Dixonville, Pa. 15734) Filed Apr. 30, 1964, Ser. No. 363,876 7 Claims. (Cl. 52-475) The present invention is generally concerned with the mounting of panels, and is more specifically directed toward novel panel mounting means which, while fixedly positioning the panel in its erected position, allows for an easy adjustment or complete removal of the panel when desired.

It is contemplated that the mounting means of the instant invention be primarily used in conjunction with schoolroom panels, for example chalkboards, tackboards, etc, as well as various types of magazine racks and bookshelves having generally fiat back panels. While particularly adaptable for use in mounting classroom boards of various types, it will of course be appreciated that the mounting means of the instant invention is easily adaptable for mounting all types of panels.

A highly significant object of the instant invention is to provide a panel means which will insure the stable mounting of a panel with any danger of the panel being accidentally removed being eliminated, while at the same time allowing for an intentional removal of the panel with little or no difficulty.

In achieving the above object, it is contemplated that the panels of the instant invention have hook means thereon selectively engageable with elongated slots in standards fixed to a wall, or for that matter free standing, along with specific lock means capable of, upon a physical m nipulation thereof, being locked to the standards so as to prevent disengagement of the panel from the standard.

Another significant object of the instant invention is to provide a panel frame engageable with the edge portions of the panel and having the mounting hooks integrally formed therewith.

In addition, it is an object of the instant invention to provide a relatively simple means whereby one panel can be quickly and simply substituted for another panel, such as a tackboard for a chalkboard, whenever desired with a minimum amount of effort.

Likewise, it is an object of the instant invention to provide specific structural details tending to both increase the rigidity of the panels and facilitate its installation. For example, elongated stiffening ribs are provided upon the peripheral panel frame, and elongated guide slots are provided upon the mounting standard so as to assist in quickly orientating the hook Within the slots.

These together with other object-s and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a front elevational view of an installation consisting of two boards;

FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the installation of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view taken substantially upon a plane passing along line 33 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged partial vertical cross-sectional view taken substantially upon a plane passing along line 4-4 in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 5 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating one step in the installation of a panel;

FIGURE 6 is a view similar to FIGURE 5 illustrating a subsequent step in the installation of the panel;

FIGURE 7 is a partial perspective view of the upper left hand corner of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 8 is a partial perspective view of the rear of one of the panels;

FIGURE 9 is an enlarged cross sectional view taken substantially on a plane passing along line 9-9 of FIG- URE 7;

FIGURE 10 is an exploded perspective view, with portions broken away, of the lock means utilized to lock the panel to the standards;

FIGURE 11 is a partial perspective view similar to FIGURE 7 with the panel broken away so as to illustrate the standard; and

FIGURE 12 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view taken substantially on a plane passing along line 12-12 of FIGURE 1.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, reference numeral 20 is used to generally designate a panel which is to be removably mounted on a pair of fixed standards 22 and 24. This panel 20 can be of any type, for example, a tackboard as illustrated in the right hand side of FIGURE 1, or a chalkboard as illustrated on the left hand side of FIGURE 1, this chalkboard having an elongated chalk tray 26 mounted thereon in a manner which shall be described subsequently.

The standards 22 and 24 differ slightly from each other in that the central standard 24 is in effect a double standard and mounts the adjacent edges of adjacent panels 20. It will of course be appreciated that if only one panel 20 is to be mounted, side standards 22 will be used along both sides of the panel 20. Specifically, the standard 22 is in the form of an elongated channel with the edge portions 28 of the legs 30 thereof being inwardly directed, at right angles, toward each other so as to form a fiat bearing surface against, for example, .a wall. The bight or web portion 32 of the channel-shaped standard 22 includes an off-center longitudinally extending guide recess 34 therein, this recess having a plurality of vertically spaced aligned slots 36. As will be appreciated from the drawings, the recess 34 is of a depth substantially less than the depth of the channel legs 30. The standard 22 is to be fixedly located, for example, by mounting on a Wall 38 through the use of suitable driven members 40 extending through the wider portion of the web 32 to one side of the recess 34 asillustrated. Incidentally, it will of course be appreciated that the standard 22 can be fixed to both the floor and ceiling of a room if mounting upon a wall is not desired or feasible.

The intermediate standard 24 includes two channelshaped portions 42, each having a centrally located longitudinally extending slotted recess 44 therein corresponding in size and shape to the recess 34, reference numeral 46 being used to designate the slots in the recess 44. Finally, the channel-shaped portions 42 are interconnected by a full length solid Web 48 extending between the adjoining legs 50 of the portions 42, driven fasteners 52 extending through this web 48 for attaching or fixedly mounting the standard 24 in spaced parallel relation to the standards 22 on opposite sides thereof.

Turning now to the panel 20 itself, this panel preferably being rectangular, it will be noted that a peripheral metal frame 54 is provided. This frame 54, generally U-shaped in cross-section encloses the entire peripheral edge of the panel 20 with the bight or web portion 56 of the frame 54 engaged against the edge of the panel 20 and with the opposed legs or side portions 58 and 60 respectively overlying or overlapping the adjacent edge portions of the back and front surfaces. At each corner, note for example FIGURE 8, the web portion 56 of the frame is Wrapped smoothly therearound while the right angularly orientated lengths of the portions 5-8 and 60 lave the ends cut or mitered at a 45 angle so as to form 1 smooth abutting engagement, this avoiding any rough )r projecting edges.

The portion 58, engaged against the back of the panel 20, is substantially longer than the portion 60, and in- :ludes integral therewith, along substantially the longiudinal center line of each length thereof, parallel to the adjacent edge portions, relatively thin outwardly project- ,ng bars 62 and 64. The bars 62 extend horizontally along the upper and lower portions of the frame 54 and function as panel stiffeners. The bars 64 extend vertical- .y along the opposite sides of the frame 54 and, while also acting as stiffeners, include, integrally formed therewith, outwardly or rearwardly projecting downwardly Jpening hooks 66, generally two such hooks 66 being provided on each bar or rib 64 at spaced vertically aligned points therealong. The vertical spacing of the hooks 66 is such so as to correspond to a predetermined pair of slots 36, 46, with these hooks 66 being of a size so as to, referring specifically to FIGURES 5 and 4, :pass freely through the slots and, upon a slight downward movement of the panel, engage that portion of the recess bottom immediately below the slots so as to mount the panel 20 on the standards 22, 24 in an obvious manner. Incidently, in mounting the panel 22 on the standards, it will be appreciated that the recesses 34 and 44 act as a guide for the hooks 66 thus greatly facilitating their insertion through the slots 36 and 46, this being highly desirable especially when relatively large panels 20 are being mounted. The upper and lower stiffeners 62 are of course of a length so as to be received between the standards 22, 24 without interfering with the mounting of the panel 20.

The final securing of the panel 20 to the standards is achieved through a releasable locking device 68 associated with each pair of hooks 6-6 and located in vertical alignment thereabove, approximately in the vicinity of the panel corner, and orientated so as to engage through one of the standard slots upon a final positioning of the hooks 66 through a lower pair of slots. Each locking device 68 extends transversely through the frame 54 and intermediate panel 20 and consists of a hollow chamber forming cylinder 70 forced through the frame and panel so as to project slightly beyond both sides of the frame 54, an outwardly projecting peripheral flange 72 being provided on the front end of the cylinder or sleeve 70, this flange 72 engaging against the forward face of the frame 54. Both slidably and rotatably oriented within the sleeve 70 is an elongated shank 74 biased forwardly relative to the panel 20 by an expanded compression spring 76 encircling the shank 74 and having the ends thereof in abutting engagement with a peripheral inwardly projecting flange 78 on the back end of the sleeve 70 and an enlarged manipulation head 80 on the front or forward end of the shank 74. This enlarged head 80 has tool engaging means, such a for example a screwdriver slot 82, in the forward face thereof so as to enable an engagement of a tool, for example a screwdriver 84, therewith for both longitudinally moving and rotating the shank 74 for reasons which shall be described presently. The back end portion of the cylindrical shank 74 is provided with a pair of diametrically opposed inwardly offset flat portions 83 resulting in a portion generally oblong in cross-section. This last-mentioned portion has the free or back end thereof further reduced peripherally thereabout so as to form a projecting stud 85. This projecting stud 85 is received through a central similarly shaped aperture 86 in a transversely elongated locking head 88 and subsequently rigidly affixed thereto in any suitable manner such as by peening. The locking head 88 is of a width substantially equal to the width of the shank 74 between the hats 83, and is of a length approximately equal to or slightly greater than the diameter of the sleeve 70 so as to engage against the peripheral flange 78 and limit the inward movement of the shank 74 under the influence of the spring 76. Further, while both the width and length of the locking head 88 are such so as to pass freely through the slots 36 and 46 when the longitudinal center line thereof i substantially in alignment with the longitudinal center line of the slots, the length of the locking head 88 prevents its passage through the slots when rotated to either side, thus allowing a'movement of the locking head through the corresponding slot and a subsequent rotation of the shank 74 and locking head 88 to approximately 90, after which the tool 84 is removed and the spring 76 bring the locking head into tight engagement with the rear surface of the standard recess on opposite sides of the slot so as to prevent removal of the panel 20 until the locking head 88 is again rotated approximately 90 degrees.

As will be appreciated from FIGURES 4 and 5, the locking device 68 is orientated relative to the hooks 66 so as to require a substantial seating of the hooks 66 prior to the passage of the locking head through the corresponding slot. In this manner, as long as the locking device 68 is locked into position, the engagement of the locking head 88 prevents outward movement of the panel away from the standards.

From the foregoing, the manner of mounting a panel will be readily apparent. First, assuming the standards have already been properly located, the frame enclosed panel is moved against the standard and, through the guidance provided by the standard recesses, the hooks are quickly engaged within the slots at the desired height. Next, in order to prevent any accidental dislocation of the panel relative to the standards, a tool is engaged with the tool or manipulation head of the locking device and the shank is pushed inwardly against the resilient biasing force of the compression spring a sufficient distance so as to pass the locking head through the corresponding slot,

, after which the shank is rotated approximately 90 degrees and released so as to enable the compression spring to bring the head in clamping engagement against the rear face of the standard on opposite sides of the slot, thus tightly clamping the panel to the standards until an actual physical manipulation of the locking device is performed.

While not specifically described supra, it will be noted that the chalk tray 26 includes a rear vertical flange engageable against the forward face of the panel, for instance a chalkboard, and an internally threaded enlarged portion 92 which receives the threaded end of a screw 94 extending through the panel, thus bolting the chalk tray 26 in position.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A panel adapted for removable mounting on fixed elongated standards having spaced aligned slots therein, said panel including front and back faces, said back face having hook means fixed thereto and projecting rearwardly therefrom for engagement within selected ones of the standard slots, and rearwardly projecting lock means mounted on said panel and selectively insertable through at least one of the standard slots, said lock means being movable relative to the panel for locking engagement with the standard after insertion through the slot so as to prevent removal of the panel from the standards, said hook means consisting of at least a pair of spaced aligned hooks for engagement within a pair of slots in each standard, said lock means consisting of a lock in spaced alignment with each pair of hooks for engagement within a slot of the corresponding standard, each lock consisting of an elongated shank slidably and rotatably received transversely through the panel, a locking head on the rear end of said shank, said locking head being transversely elongated relative to the shank and having a length greater than the width whereby passage of the locking head through a standard slot is only possible upon a substantial alignment of the longitudinal center line of the head with the longitudinal center line of the slot, said shank being selectively projectable rearward of said panel for introduction of the head through a standard slot, and means limiting the rearward projection of said shank.

2. The structure of claim 1 including means resiliently biasing said shank inwardly of the panel relative to the back face thereof.

3. The structure of claim 2 wherein said shank includes a lock manipulation head on the forward end thereof, said manipulation head being accessible from the front face of the panel.

4. A panel adapted for removable mounting on fixed elongated standards having spaced aligned slots therein, said panel including front and back faces, said back face having hook means fixed thereto and projecting rearwardly therefrom for engagement within selected ones of the standard slots, and rearwardly projecting lock means mounted on said panel and selectively insertable through at least one of the standard slots, said lock means being movable relative to the panel for locking engagement with the standard after insertion through the slot so as to prevent removal of the panel from the standards, said lock means consisting of at least one lock, said lock including an elongated shank slidably and rotatably received transversely through the panel, a locking head on the rear end of said shank, said locking head being transversely elongated relative to the shank and having a length greater than the width whereby passage of the locking head through a standard slot is only possible upon a substantial alignment of the longitudinal center line of the head with the longitudinal center line of the slot, said shank being selectively projectable rearward of said panel for introduction of the head through a standard slot, and means limiting the rearward projection of said shank.

5. The structure of claim 4 wherein said panel has a peripheral frame thereabout, said frame engaging the edge of the panel and overlying the adjoining portions of both the front and back faces, a pair of thin outwardly projecting elongated ribs fixed to that portion of the frame overlying the back face, said ribs being orientated parallel to each other and adjacent opposite sides of the panel, said hook means comprising at least one hook integral with each rib and projecting outwardly therefrom.

6. The structure of claim 5 including a second pair of 6 ribs fixed to that portion of the frame overlying the back face, said second pair of ribs paralleling each other and extending transversely of the first mentioned pair of ribs adjacent the opposite ends thereof for positioning between the elongated standards.

'7. A panel adapted for removable mounting on a fixed support having spaced aligned slots therein, said panel including front and back faces, said back face having hook means fixed thereto and projecting rearwardly therefrom for engagement within selected ones of the support slots, and rearwardly projecting lock means mounted on said panel and selectively insertable through at least one of the support slots, said lock means being movable relative to the panel for locking engagement with the support through the corresponding slot so as to prevent removal of the panel from the support, said lock means consisting of at least one lock, said lock including an elongated shank slidably and rotatably received transversely through the panel, a locking head on the rear end of said shank, said locking head being transversely enlarged and shaped for free movement through a support slot upon a predetermined rotational orientation of the locking head relative to the slot, said shank being selectively projectable rearward of said panel for introduction of the locking head through a support slot for subsequent rotation of said locking head inward of said slot, said locking head being incapable of passage through said slot upon a rotation thereof from its slot passing position, and means limiting the rearward projection of said shank.

References fitted by the Examiner UIHTED STATES PATENTS 1,760,503 4/1930 Knape 248-243 1,895,672 1/1933 Loughman -52 2,019,110 10/1935 Ball 52-511 2,127,280 8/ 1938 Zimbalist 248-243 2,239,125 4/1941 Summers 85-52 2,337,239 12/1943 Hall 52-511 2,664,978 1/1954 Fox 52-494 2,925,918 2/1960 Attwood 211-87 2,986,232 5/1961 Brink 248-224 X 3,634,184 5/1962 Lindstrom 52-511 X 3,133,642 5/1964 Mohr 248-243 X FOREIGN PATENTS 464,627 1937 Great Britain.

FRANK L. ABBOTT, Primary Examiner.

JOHN E. MURTAGH, Examiner. 

7. A PANEL ADAPTED FOR REMOVABLE MOUNTING ON A FIXED SUPPORT HAVING SPACED ALIGNED SLOTS THEREIN, SAID PANEL INCLUDING FRONT AND BACK FACES, SAID BACK FACE HAVING HOOK MEANS FIXED THERETO AND PROJECTING REARWARDLY THEREFROM FOR ENGAGEMENT WITHIN SELECTED ONES OF THE SUPPORT SLOTS, AND REARWARDLY PROJECTING LOCK MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID PANEL AND SELECTIVELY INSERTABLE THROUGH AT LEAST ONE OF THE SUPPORT SLOTS, SAID LOCK MEANS BEING MOVABLE RELATIVE TO THE PANEL FOR LOCKING ENGAGEMENT WITH THE SUPPORT THROUGH THE CORRESPONDING SLOT SO AS TO PREVENT REMOVAL OF THE PANEL FROM THE SUPPORT, SAID LOCK MEANS CONSISTING OF AT LEAST ONE LOCK, SAID LOCK INCLUDING AN ELONGATED SHANK SLIDABLY AND ROTATABLY RECEIVED TRANSVERSELY THROUGH THE PANEL, A LOCKING HEAD ON THE REAR END OF SAID SHANK, SAID LOCKING HEAD BEING TRANSVERSELY ENLARGED AND SHAPED FOR FREE MOVEMENT THROUGH A SUPPORT SLOT UPON A PREDETERMINED ROTATIONAL ORIENTATION OF THE LOCKING HEAD RELATIVE TO THE SLOT, SAID SHANK BEING SELECTIVELY PROJECTABLE REARWARD OF SAID PANEL FOR INTRODUCTION OF THE LOCKING HEAD THROUGH A SUPPORT SLOT FOR SUBSEQUENT ROTATION OF SAID LOCKING HEAD INWARD OF SAID SLOT, SAID LOCKING HEAD BEING INCAPABLE OF PASSAGE THROUGH SAID SLOT UPON A ROTATION THEREOF FROM ITS SLOT PASSING POSITION, AND MEANS LIMITING THE REARWARD PROJECTION OF SAID SHANK. 